Some monomers used to make polymers may start to polymerize on their own, with generation of heat and pressure. In some situations an explosion may occur.
Chemicals that may polymerize include:
(1) 1,3- butadiene (associated with formation of popcorn polymers)
(2) vinyl acetate
(3) acrylonitrile
(4) cyclopentadiene
(5) ethyl or methyl acrylate
(6) hydrocyanic acid
(7) acrylic acid
(8) diketene
Risk factors for runaway polymerization:
(1) heat or exposure to sunlight
(2) presence of oxygen or oxidizing agents
(3) presence of a catalyst or incompatible chemical
(4) absence of effective safety valve, including clogging caused by the polymer
(5) absence of any inhibitors or stablizing agents
(6) use of a storage container over a long period of time
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